Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Cline Cellars

October is here, and the explosion of color on the trees of Minnesota is incredible. The temperatures are falling, and the cusine of choice is starting to lean toward braised meats, chili, and of course all things squash.

While October represents a shift in weather and food, it also marks something very important to us at The Wine Company: Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The “Think Pink” campaigns are in full swing around the country, and few wineries work harder at making a difference to those affected by breast cancer than Cline Cellars.

This year Cline is partnering with the national organization Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC), based in Pennsylvania. The programs and services LBBC offer include:

A toll free survivor hotline available 24/7

Networking and outreach programs

Informational newsletters and publications

Educational workshops and conferences

Cline Cashmere is “the wine that gives back” by being the charity focus wine for Cline’s partnership with LBBC. Cline Cellars generously will donate $25,000 to LBBC (the donation is independent of wine sales), as well as participate in national and regional LLBC events.

So what is Cline Cashmere? A fantastic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (and the new vintage, 2011, has a dollop of Petite Sirah as well for added structure). The 2011 vintage is too new to the market for reviews, but Robert Parker said of the 2010:

Another great buy is the Cotes-du-Rhone-like blend, 2010 Cashmere, a blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache aged for 9 months (one quarter oak barrels). A dark ruby color is accompanied by abundant notes of kirsch, lavender, and pepper as well as a hint of licorice. The surprisingly complex, medium-bodied, fruit-dominated red offers both power and elegance, and should be compatible with a number of dishes.

This wine is not only a winner at the table, but supports an incredibly worthy cause. Please seek out Cline Cashmere and support Cline’s efforts toward Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October. Over the years Cline’s commitment to breast cancer organizations has totaled over $150,000!

The following restaurants and retailers have purchased Cline Cashmere in the previous twelve months. Please call ahead for availability, and thank you for supporting the cause! (Locations are sorted alphabetically by city.)